The 1970s saw the end of the Silvertone brand marketed by Sears. What had been a trusted brand that brought music, news and entertainment to millions since 1916 was now put on a shelf, the patent on the name not even renewed by Sears in 1972. The guitars and amps had changed, too. As you've seen if you've perused the site, the mostly USA-designed and manufactured electric instruments and electronics became largely imported devices; still functional, but without that Silvertone magic. The end came quietly with no fanfare, just another business decision by Sears, Roebuck. But the end of an era for musical instruments, amplifiers and electronics.

Let the collecting begin!